Marijuana (cannabis) Blood Test

What is Marijuana (Cannabis) Blood test? 

Marijuana blood test is performed to check for the active ingredients of marijuana in the blood of a person. 

Marijuana (cannabis) is a plant that is widely grown in different parts of the world. It produces psychoactive substances called cannabinoids and is most commonly abused for its effects on the brain. The two main active cannabinoids in cannabis are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) and cannabidiol. Both these have almost similar effects on the body. Though THC is a major component of marijuana. 

The amount of THC in the body can thus point to marijuana abuse.

However, THC levels in the blood depend on the route and dose of use. For example, in case of smoked marijuana, THC peaks rapidly in the first few minutes of inhaling. High levels indicate that the person has used marijuana recently. Low but detectable levels may persist for hours in one-time users and for days in long-term users.

A marijuana blood test can also detect other cannabinoids such as cannabigerol or cannabinol.

1. National Cancer Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ®)–Patient Version
2. Balíková M, Hložek T. Time profile of serum THC levels in occasional and chronic marihuana smokers after acute drug use - implication for driving motor vehicles. Soud Lek. 2014;59(1):2-6. PMID: 24625019.
3. Huestis MA, Mitchell JM, and Cone EJ. Urinary excretion profiles of 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol in humans after single smoked doses of marijuana. J Anal Toxicol. 1996 Oct;20(6):441-52. PMID: 8889681.
4. Law B, et al. Forensic aspects of the metabolism and excretion of cannabinoids following oral ingestion of cannabis resin. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1984 May;36(5):289-94. PMID: 6145762.
5. Ellis GM Jr, et al. Excretion patterns of cannbinoid metabolites after last use in a group of chronic users. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1985 Nov;38(5):572-8. PMID: 3902318.
6. Grotenhermen Franjo, et al. Developing Science-Based Per Se Limits for Driving under the Influence of Cannabis (DUIC): Findings and Recommendations by an Expert Panel. DUIC Report. 2005 Sep.
7. Skopp G, Pötsch L. Cannabinoid concentrations in spot serum samples 24-48 hours after discontinuation of cannabis smoking. J Anal Toxicol. 2008 Mar;32(2):160-4. PMID: 18334100.
8. Karschner EL, et al. Do Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol concentrations indicate recent use in chronic cannabis users?. Addiction. 2009 Dec;104(12):2041-8. PMID: 19804462.
9. Huestis MA, Henningfield JE, Cone EJ. Blood cannabinoids. I. Absorption of THC and formation of 11-OH-THC and THCCOOH during and after smoking marijuana. J Anal Toxicol. 1992 Sep-Oct;16(5):276-82. PMID: 1338215.
10. American Association for Clinical Chemistry.[internet]. Washington DC (U.S.A). The New Era of Cannabis Testing
11. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Blood Tests
12. National Institute of Drug Abuse. National Institute of Health [internet]. U.S.A. Drug Testing
13. University of Rochester Medical Center [Internet]. Rochester (NY): University of Rochester Medical Center; Cannabinoid Screen and Confirmation (Urine)
14. National Health Service [internet]. UK; Blood Tests
15. Musshoff F, Madea B. Review of biologic matrices (urine, blood, hair) as indicators of recent or ongoing cannabis use. Ther Drug Monit. 2006 Apr. 28(2):155-63. PMID: 16628124.
16. ARUP Labs [Internet]. University of Utah. Salt Lake city. Utah. US; THC Metabolite, Serum or Plasma, Quantitative